Chinese railway equipment manufacturer CRRC took a historic step by unveiling the world’s first hydrogen-powered metro train in May 2023.
The world’s first hydrogen-powered metro train has the potential to have a significant impact on the transport sector. It offers a cleaner and greener alternative to fossil fuel trains, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. As more and more cities seek to reduce their carbon footprint, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the transport sector could be a key factor in achieving this goal.
The train, which was unveiled at an event in Shanghai on the occasion of Chinese Brand Day, has a speed of up to 160 km/h and can travel up to 600 km on a single charge, according to advertising, marketing and media company energynews.biz.
CRRC borrowed some of the key technologies from the Fusion bullet train, which helped the company develop the most advanced autonomous driving technology available. In addition, the hydrogen-powered subway train uses a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system that optimizes maneuverability, efficiency and safety of operations.
HYDROGEN METRO TRAIN WITH 5G
This train is not only environmentally friendly, but also equipped with numerous smart sensors for automatic monitoring, diagnosis and protection of hydrogen storage systems and fuel cells. The train also boasts 5G communication technologies, which could allow the train to connect to the Internet of Things (IoT) for better control and safety.
The aim of this project is to reduce the carbon footprint. Hydrogen fuel cell trains produce only water and heat as by-products, making them an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered trains.
Given China’s decarbonisation efforts, the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source is gaining significant momentum. The hydrogen-powered metro train has the potential to revolutionise the transport industry, and this revolutionary achievement could lead to the development of other hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles in the future.
The world’s first hydrogen-powered metro train has the potential to have a significant impact on the transport sector. It offers a cleaner and greener alternative to fossil fuel trains, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. As more and more cities seek to reduce their carbon footprint, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the transport sector could be a key factor in achieving this goal.
Source: Railway Pro, 18 Feb 2024.